As the new year begins, students across India look forward to the break that begins on January 1, New Year’s Day. This holiday provides an opportunity to relax and recharge after the festive December period. Many northern states, including Delhi, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, extend their winter vacations till mid-January, giving students time to enjoy regional festivals like Makar Sankranti and Pongal. The holidays provide a much-needed respite before schools reopen for the new academic term. Here is the list of January 2025 school holidays.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Schools across India will begin the new year on January 1 with a New Year’s Day holiday. This public holiday marks the start of the calendar year, and students get a break to celebrate with family and friends before returning to their academic routines.
Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday (January 6)
Guru Gobind Singh’s birthday, celebrated on January 6, is a particularly important holiday for Sikhs. It marks the birth of the tenth Sikh Guru, and schools, especially in Punjab and other parts of northern India, will remain closed to honor the momentous occasion.
Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu, Pongal, and Hazrat Ali’s Birthday (January 14)
Makar Sankranti on January 14, marked by Magh Bihu and Pongal, is celebrated in different parts of India. In some regions this day is also celebrated to commemorate Hazrat Ali’s birthday. Students celebrate cultural events like kite flying, bonfires and feasts.
Winter Vacation (January 1 – January 15)
Winter vacation for many students in northern states is scheduled from January 1 to 15. This mid-winter break allows students to relax and enjoy the cooler weather before schools resume in mid-January. However, in some southern and eastern regions, the winter break may begin as early as December.
Republic Day (January 26)
Another important holiday in January is Republic Day, celebrated on January 26. Schools remain closed to celebrate the national program commemorating the adoption of the Constitution of India. Republic Day is a day of national pride, with parades and flag hoisting across the country.